VISITORS to The National Eisteddfod 2004 at Tredegar Park in Newport are expected to spend more than £1.5m on food and drink this week.

And this year the range of food and drink on offer will be better than ever before, thanks to a joint project between the Eisteddfod and the Welsh Development Agency's (WDA) food directorate.

It is also the first year that alcohol has been served on the maes.

Eisteddfod director Elfed Roberts, said, "This year, working with the WDA, we encouraged caterers, mobile operators, suppliers and retailers across Wales to come forward with proposals for improving the range and quality of food available on the Eisteddfod site.

"Food is a very important part of the Eisteddfod, not just because all our visitors need food, but because it is part of our culture.

"We are keen to offer Eisteddfod-goers the very best in food and drink from Wales.

"We know that over 160,000 visitors, competitors and staff typically spend a total of £1.5m on food and drink actually on the Eisteddfod field itself.

"The work we have carried out means that we will be providing them with better choice and quality, with the Welsh flavour you would expect at the Eisteddfod."

The Blas restaurant featuring True Taste award-winning food and drink will be there, as well as True Taste gold award-winning caterers Capital Cuisine. The renowned La Gallois /Y Cymro restaurant from Cardiff will also be on site for the first time.

There will also be Indian, Italian and organic cuisine, as well as the usual take-away fish and chips and more.

And the Farmers' Union of Wales will be there cooking up a range of dishes using Welsh beef and Welsh lamb, and offering tasters to visitors.

WDA agri-food director Wynfford James said, "This year the Eisteddfod really will be a culinary treat for visitors. We are delighted to be working with the Eisteddfod organisers, who are committed to ensuring the event showcases the very best in food and drink from Wales."